
Randall's Island Park
A sprawling urban park with athletic fields, nature, and stunning city views, offering a diverse recreational escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Randall's Island Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban park with athletic fields, nature, and stunning city views, offering a diverse recreational escape.
"Beautiful park with lots of stuff to do and wonderful views of the city!"

🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Skip the infrequent M35 bus and walk the pedestrian bridge for easier access and great views. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Hydration stations can be scarce. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Athletic Fields
Throughout the park
Dozens of well-maintained fields for soccer, baseball, and more. Perfect for sports enthusiasts and casual play.

Scenic City Views
Waterfront areas
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Manhattan skyline and the Hell Gate Bridge. Ideal for photography and leisurely strolls.

Restored Wetlands and Nature
Western side of the island
Explore natural habitats and diverse birdlife in the park's revitalized wetland areas. A peaceful escape within the city.

Community Farm
Central park area
Discover urban farming initiatives and learn about sustainable agriculture at this unique community garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Randall's Island
Embrace the Outdoors, Mind the Smells
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Skip the infrequent M35 bus and walk the pedestrian bridge for easier access and great views. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Hydration stations can be scarce. :droplet:
👃 Be Prepared for Odors
The park is near a sewage treatment plant; odors can be strong on warm days. :facewiththermometer:
⚽ Pack a Ball
With so many fields, bring your own gear for impromptu games. :soccer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Skip the infrequent M35 bus and walk the pedestrian bridge for easier access and great views. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Hydration stations can be scarce. :droplet:
👃 Be Prepared for Odors
The park is near a sewage treatment plant; odors can be strong on warm days. :facewiththermometer:
⚽ Pack a Ball
With so many fields, bring your own gear for impromptu games. :soccer:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of Manhattan are stunning, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
🚲 Bike Trails Galore
Enjoy miles of dedicated bike paths with scenic city backdrops. :bike:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Randall's Island Park is praised for its well-maintained athletic fields, beautiful city views, and extensive trails, making it a great spot for sports and outdoor activities. However, visitors frequently mention the unpleasant odors from a nearby sewage treatment plant and the park's somewhat remote location, which can make public transport challenging.
"Very nice up kept fields, and play areas. If you happen to be staying at any events near here, the parking (which is free) is very nice and close. The only downside is that it is right near a sewage treatment facility so everything smells really, really, really bad. They have nice walking and biking trails for exercise, and they stretch for many miles. All in all, the upkeep is wonderful and I would recommend this park to anyone needing to stretch their legs while in the five burrows or to those who play sports. See for yourself!"
Ari Boone
"Went to the One Bite pizza festival, it’s a beautiful park with a lot of stuff to do and wonderful views of the city! Even if you’re not going for an event, it’s probably worth walking down via the bridge!!"
Jeremy Gibbs
"Nice park but very far from the city and difficult to get to. The M35 is very slow and infrequent and is usually faster to walk. The bridge to get to the island is not very nice as it is next a very loud busy highway. Decently clean and safe."
Z S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Randall's Island Park is accessible via the M35 bus from Manhattan, which can be infrequent. Many visitors opt to walk or bike over the pedestrian bridges from Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx for a more direct and scenic route. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can fill up during events.
Yes, there is parking available at Randall's Island Park, and it's often free, especially outside of major event days. However, parking lots can fill up quickly during large events like Electric Zoo or Curlfest.
Absolutely! There are pedestrian bridges connecting Randall's Island to Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Walking or biking over is a popular way to access the park and offers great city views.
From Manhattan, you can take the M35 bus, but it's often recommended to walk or bike over the pedestrian bridge for a more reliable and enjoyable experience.
Yes, Randall's Island Park features extensive bike paths, making it a great destination for cycling enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Randall's Island Park itself is generally free to enter and explore. However, specific events held within the park, such as Electric Zoo or Cirque du Soleil, will require tickets.
Yes, if you plan to attend a specific event like Electric Zoo, Cirque du Soleil, or Curlfest, you will need to purchase tickets for those events.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, hours can vary for specific facilities or during special events. It's best to check the Randall's Island Park Alliance website for the most up-to-date information.
No, there are no general entrance fees to access Randall's Island Park. You can freely explore its grounds, fields, and trails.
You can find information about upcoming events on the Randall's Island Park Alliance website, as well as through social media channels that promote specific festivals and gatherings held there.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Randall's Island Park offers a wide range of activities, including playing on athletic fields, biking and running on trails, exploring wetlands, visiting the community farm, and attending various events and festivals.
Restroom facilities are available within the park, though their availability and condition can vary. It's advisable to be prepared, especially if you plan on spending an extended period.
While generally considered safe, some visitors have noted that certain areas can feel desolate, especially in winter. It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark. There have been reports of incidents, so exercising caution is recommended.
The park offers stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hell Gate Bridge, and the surrounding waterways. It's a fantastic spot for photography and enjoying the urban landscape.
Dogs are generally allowed in Randall's Island Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check the latest park regulations for any specific restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited dining options directly within Randall's Island Park itself. Visitors often bring their own food and drinks or rely on food vendors present during special events.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Randall's Island Park. There are many open spaces and fields where you can set up a picnic.
During large events like festivals (e.g., Electric Zoo, Vegandale Fest), food trucks and vendors are typically present, offering a variety of cuisines.
While there are a couple of hydration stations, drinking fountains are scarce throughout the park, so it's highly recommended to bring your own water.
Alcohol policies can vary depending on park regulations and specific events. It's best to check the official Randall's Island Park Alliance guidelines or event-specific rules before bringing alcohol.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront areas offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hell Gate Bridge, making them prime locations for photography. The open fields and natural areas also provide diverse photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure safety and privacy. It's advisable to check the specific regulations for Randall's Island Park before attempting drone photography.
Landscape photography capturing the city skyline, sports photography on the fields, and event photography during festivals are all popular at Randall's Island Park.
General photography is usually permitted, but commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and private areas.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the skyline and landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Runners and Cyclists
⚽ Sports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Nature of Randall's Island Park
However, the island has also become a site for temporary housing for migrants, leading to visible encampments and discussions about its changing landscape. This has led to mixed perceptions, with some visitors noting the presence of tents and assistance buildings alongside the recreational facilities. It's important for visitors to be aware of this context, which can impact the overall atmosphere and accessibility of certain areas.
Getting Around and Staying Comfortable
Comfort is also key due to environmental factors. Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of strong odors from the nearby sewage treatment facility, especially on warmer days. Bringing ample water is crucial, as hydration stations are limited, and the park can get hot. Despite these challenges, the well-maintained fields and trails make it a worthwhile destination for outdoor activities.
Events and Activities: A Seasonal Showcase
Beyond these large-scale events, the park is a popular spot for local sports leagues, community gatherings, and even unique festivals like Vegandale Fest. The presence of these events means that while the park offers ample space, it can also experience significant crowds and require ticket purchases for entry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit